The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and responses were noted.

DECISION

1.    To endorse the Council’s Outcomes Based Budgeting approach to prioritising resources and the move to a rolling multi-year Medium Term Financial Strategy from 2017-18 to 2019-2020.

2.    To note the issues and actions set out in this report which are informing the development of the Council’s MTFS for 2017 – 2020.

3.    To note the timescales and next steps for reviewing and consulting on budget proposals;

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (Z. COOKE)

(Service Head, Finance and Procurement (N. Murton)

Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the report setting out the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy. He outlined that a new approach was being undertaken this year know as outcome based budgeting which looked to link budgets to the Council’s priorities. It was noted that the funding settlement details would be updated as the government provided more information on areas such as business rates.

The Administration’s final proposals would be presented to Council in February for consideration. Councillor David Edgar then reviewed the submitted Pre-Decision Scrutiny Question and answer provided.

The Mayor highlighted the challenge in resolving a budget that was likely to be around £60 million smaller in three years’ time. He agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To endorse the Council’s Outcomes Based Budgeting approach to prioritising resources and the move to a rolling multi-year Medium Term Financial Strategy from 2017-18 to 2019-2020.

2.    To note the issues and actions set out in this report which are informing the development of the Council’s MTFS for 2017 – 2020.

3.    To note the timescales and next steps for reviewing and consulting on budget proposals;